Eyes of Wakanda Brings Black Panther’s Secret Warriors to Disney+ in August
Marvel’s first Phase Six series dives deep into Wakanda’s covert legacy, introducing the Hatut Zaraze, a new Iron Fist, and centuries of hidden conflict.
Marvel Studios Animation is expanding the Black Panther universe with Eyes of Wakanda, a four-episode animated limited series premiering August 1, 2025, on Disney+. Executive produced by Ryan Coogler and directed by Todd Harris, the show ventures beyond the throne, spotlighting the secret agents known as the Hatut Zaraze, or “War Dogs,” in missions that span over 600 years of Wakandan history.
The series marks the official start of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase Six and is set entirely within the sacred timeline, distinguishing it from alternate-universe animated shows like What If…?. Co-produced by Proximity Media, Eyes of Wakanda promises a grounded yet visually daring addition to the MCU canon.
Each episode explores a different era, from 1260 BC to 19th-century Ethiopia, through the lens of elite Wakandan spies reclaiming stolen Vibranium artifacts. The debut episode, “Into the Lion’s Den,” introduces Noni, a disgraced Dora Milaje member voiced by Winnie Harlow. Additional cast members include Danai Gurira, Cress Williams, and Anika Noni Rose, with storylines tied to historical conflicts like the Trojan War and 15th-century China.
One of the series’ most intriguing reveals is the introduction of a new Iron Fist, not Danny Rand, which hints at a long-standing enmity between K’un-Lun and Wakanda. This addition lays the groundwork for possible future integrations into the broader MCU.
The animation style, influenced by the work of Ernie Barnes and Dean Cornwell, brings a rich, painterly quality to the show, blending Afrofuturism with classic illustration. The result is a visual identity that sets Eyes of Wakanda apart from Marvel’s previous animated efforts.
While the Hatut Zaraze take center stage, the series also delves into the ideological cost of Wakanda’s isolationism. According to Marvel’s promotional material, the warriors are trained to “be a ghost,” raising questions about loyalty, sacrifice, and national identity.
With all four episodes dropping simultaneously on Disney+, Eyes of Wakanda is poised to make a bold statement about the power and peril of secrecy in the MCU’s most mysterious nation.
